'Waiting with open arms': MFD, local union prepare to welcome injured firefighter home
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) and supporting organizations are preparing to welcome an injured firefighter back home.
The men and women of MPD are wrapping their arms around Jeff Rothmeier, a member of the city's southside heavy rescue team, as he recovers from severe injuries sustained after a 30-foot fall off a two-story building during a firefight on Saturday evening.
Rothmeier is currently being treated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was transferred there to be with his 10-year-old daughter who is recovering from kidney surgery.
Family said it's possible both Rothmeier and his daughter can return home on Wednesday.
"He's an exceptionally high performer," Chief Aaron Lipski said. "He pours everything he has into making sure he's a master of his craft."
Lipski told CBS 58 he's spoken with Rothmeier several times since his fall and can tell he's in a great deal of pain.
"He is pushing past that pain more than I guess I've seen most people do because his daughter needs him right now," Lipski said.
Family said Rothmeier's daughter was scheduled for surgery after battling a non-functioning kidney for the past year.
Fellow firefighters volunteered to drive Rothmeier by ambulance to Mayo Clinic to be by his daughter's side before and after surgery.
"To make sure he can be taken care of as their daughter is being taken care of," Lipski said.
An update from the family said the firefighters with the Rothmeier family in Rochester have made coffee and food runs, as well as played board games and offered moral support.
"Thankfully, they are surrounded by firefighters who haven't left their side," Jamie Fink, Rothmeier's sister-in-law, said on GoFundMe. "These dedicated, tough, strong individuals have been such a blessing."
The Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Local 215 is working with Ignite the Spirit to ensure the Rothmeier family is taken care of once they return.
"Whatever they need, as they come back, so they're taken care of and don't have the extra stresses that are required in normal life," President Eric Daun said.
It's going to be awhile before Rothmeier goes back to work, but Lipski said his firefighting family will be there every step of the way.
"We will most definitely be waiting with open arms," Lipski said.
Organizations helping with Rothmeier's road to recovery said the best place for the community to help is by donating to a GoFundMe page created for the family. Click here to donate to the fundraiser.